The Chicago Bears are easing 1st-round pick Shea McClellin into their defensive system, primarily giving him reps with the second team defensive unit. However, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, McClellin has been getting on the field with the first team in nickel packages.

The Bears haven’t publicly acknowledged that McClellin will be their the pass-rush specialist, but this news certainly seems to indicate that he will fill that role. More often than not, the nickel (or dime) package is used in passing situations which will allow McClellin to play to his strengths early in his career. Presuambly, McClellin will step in for Isreal Idonije, creating a formidable pass-rush duo between himself and Julius Peppers.